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Jonathan Schwab

Men wrecked their ships following the beautiful voices of the sirens, and animals from parrots to whales use their lovely voices to attract the object of their desire. But what about the rest of us whose voices crack when we hit the high notes to “Like a Virgin”? Can we, too, use song to attract the opposite sex? Growing up we were told that effort was what counted; but does karaoke prove instead that the money makes the man?

Being a star for ten minutes is a quick burst of fame (or notoriety), and if we were canaries that could well be the beginning of a beautiful romance. But for we humans, is it just a way to laugh at the expense of our friends? Or does it actually have the potential to transform us into the sex magnets we know we are?

“I’ve been pestering my boyfriend to take me to karaoke for while,” said Valery Estabrook, 22, of Cambridge. “It’s not really something I would want to do if I didn’t know him that well, because it can be embarrassing and that can easily put the night in a bad mood or make things awkward for people who are just getting to know each other.”

Meanwhile, Lindsay Cordova, who had a karaoke birthday party this winter at the Limelight Stage + Studios, said that even though others tell her she has a “very pleasant” voice, she would not take a first date on karaoke “because I can’t sing, and most likely he can’t sing.”

Cordova, a 23-year-old from Allston said she thinks karaoke has become more popular because of the American Idol phenomenon.

She added that, deciding to go on a karaoke outing, even with a group of friends, depends on one's skills.

“I’d recommend it [as a date] if they knew each other well, because you’re past humiliation hopefully by then, so nothing can really destroy each other’s opinions based on bad singing,” she said.

Estabrook, along with 23-year-old Audrey, agreed that karaoke is not necessarily an ideal first date. It depends on the relationship and talent level, she said.

“I don’t know if it’s a great thing to do on a date,” Cordova said. “It’s more of something that I want to do with close friends, or people who are just enthusiastic about karaoke in general.”

Audrey, a Bostonian who recently ventured to The Purple Shamrock with her boyfriend, said, “I think it’s kind of a turnoff [for a date]. It also depends on the personality of the guy you’re with.”

Audrey’s boyfriend, Syd, 22, said he enjoys the music but sees the potential karaoke has to attract the opposite sex.

“If I had a good enough voice, I’d love it,” he said. “It’s just that rock star fantasy that a lot of guys had.”

Syd may not want to try it, but perhaps single guys could use a piece of advice from Cordova to pick up girls: sing a love song like Boys II Men’s “Water Runs Dry.”

Another singer, 28-year-old Emerson College media arts student Yohei Suzuki, said she has taken dates after dinner to karaoke but sees it mostly as a larger social event.

“It’s just fun and enjoyable – the quickest way to get a lot of people together,” said Suzuki, who likes to sing the Eagles songs “Take it Easy” and “Hotel California.” Still, Suzuki sees karaoke as a great social event for a group -- not an ideal first-date setting.

“If you’re going to play baseball, you need gloves, a bat, a baseball, good running shoes, spectators, and Barry Bonds,” said Suzuki. “With karaoke you can eat, drink, dance with people, and move. You don’t need a crowd in karaoke – just bring yourself and your friends.”

Jonathan Schwab can be reached at jschwab@theoysteronline.com

Correction, March 5, 2006: This article originally and incorrectly said that Diane Cordova had a karaoke birthday party at Limelight Stage + Studios. It was Lindsay Cordova who had the party."

03/01/2006   |   Permalink